For backcountry guides who escort guests through the ever-changing natural environment, being able to "move quickly and efficiently" and "use their hands accurately" are extremely important factors. It goes without saying that gloves play a major role in providing safety, security, enjoyment, and comfort to guests. Let's find out what kind of gloves professional guides trust and use, and hear their professional tips for using them in the mountains
"When it's cold, I use the ARC'TERYX Fission SV, and when hiking or when it's not too cold, I use the Venta AR." - Daichi Terui
ARC'TERYX | Fission SV Gloves
This is ARC'TERYX's warmest model. The combination of abrasion-resistant, waterproof, and breathable materials protects your hands in a variety of BC conditions. Two types of PrimaLoft® Silver and Gold insulation provide the ultimate in warmth. The lining uses breathable Octa® Loft, which maintains optimal humidity inside the glove. High-quality double-layered goat leather adds durability. It's also easier to put on and take off
Color: Black (2 colors in total)
Size: XS, S, M, L, XL
¥25,300
ARC'TERYX |Venta Gloves
These gloves are made with GORE-TEX INFINIUM™, which offers excellent windproof, water-resistant, and breathable properties. These lightweight softshell garments are resistant to wind and rain. The brushed lining provides a thick, warm feel, and the outer layer is perfectly suited to snow and light rain. The gloves offer increased grip and are less likely to absorb moisture, allowing you to use your smartphone or touchscreen while wearing them
Color: Black (2 colors in total)
Size: XS, S, M, L, XL
￥9,900
[Favorite Models and Why]
When hiking or when it's not too cold, I like the ARC'TERYX Venta AR. It has excellent dexterity, and I also use it for ice climbing. When it's cold, I use the ARC'TERYX Fission SV 5-finger gloves.
[Tips for Using Gloves]
I always carry three types: thin, medium, and thick.
Reviewer:
Daichi Trui
[Main guiding area] All of Hokkaido
[Qualifications held]
JMGA Mountain Guide Stage I
, JMGA Ski Guide Stage II
, JAN Avalanche Worker Level I
"I love Black Diamond. I always have several models with different thicknesses and uses." - Toyokazu Nakano
Black Diamond | Spark
spark
*Sales have ended
for the 2022-23 season. The "Mission" model is currently available as the equivalent model.
Black Diamond | Mission
The combination of Gore-Tex® and PrimaLoft® Gold provides durability and warmth. The palm is made of soft and durable goat leather, and the back is made of ripstop polyester. This versatile model is perfect for all backcountry activities
Color: Cork/Brown (2 colors in total)
Size: XS, S, M, L, XL
￥10,570
Black Diamond | Impulse
Made from supple and durable goat leather, these gloves feature Gore-Tex® and PrimaLoft® Gold Cross Core for superior warmth. EVA padding on the back of the hand and thumb enhances protection. The neoprene cuff keeps your wrist warm and provides a comfortable fit. These high-end freeride gloves are designed with a focus on functionality and a design that's perfect for connoisseurs
Color: Cork/Brown (2 colors in total)
Size: XS, S, M, L, XL
¥25,630
Black Diamond | Arc
The shell is made of highly stretchable nylon and features a BDRY insert for excellent waterproof and breathable properties. These gloves are designed based on motocross gloves and emphasize maneuverability
Color: Cork/Brown (2 colors in total)
Size: XS, S, M, L, XL
¥13,500
[Favorite Models and Why]
My main gloves were the Black Diamond Spark. I mainly used them when skiing in cooler temperatures. I like them because they are basic gloves with a good balance of supple leather that makes it easy to grip poles and warmth. I like to tuck my gloves inside the cuff of my jacket, so I choose models with a clean wrist area.
Unfortunately, the Spark will not be sold in the '22-23 season, but they now offer similar models called "Mission" and "Impulse," which seem like good options.
For climbing in colder temperatures and on spring tours, I use the Black Diamond Arc. It's a model with a good fit and high dexterity, and it's the most convenient and frequently used glove. It's also sufficiently waterproof and can handle rain.
[Tips for Using Gloves]
I always carry multiple models of gloves with different thicknesses and uses. I bring different combinations depending on the season and the type of tour, such as gloves for cold weather, models with high dexterity, and models with high waterproofness. Personally, I don't like layering inner gloves.
Review
by
Toyokazu Nakano
[Main guiding area] Myoko/Kubiki area, Northern Shinshu / Others: Tateyama, Chokaisan, etc.
[Qualifications held]
JMGA Ski Guide Stage II
, JAN Avalanche Worker Level 2
"I love the HESTRA model, which has good heat retention and allows me to do detailed work with five fingers." - Kazuya Igarashi
HESTRA｜HELI ski GTX
Made from supple, strong, and highly grippy goat army leather and 4-way stretch nylon with a GORE-TEX membrane. It has a two-layer lining, so you can leave the liner out during warmer months
Color: Black
Size: 6-10 Size Guide
¥30,800
HESTRA｜Windshield Liner
This liner is made of wind-resistant windshield material. The palm is made of polyester fleece, and the sidewalls are made of breathable mesh. The palm and fingertips feature grip print, and the thumb and index finger are touchscreen compatible. It can be used as a liner for gloves with interchangeable liners
Material: 91% Polyester/9% Tricot, Fleece Cuff, Grip Print, Touch Point (forefinger and thumb)
Color: Black
Size: 6-10 Size Guide
¥6,380
[Favorite Models and Why]
HESTRA's HELI ski GTX and Windshield Liner. They offer good insulation and the five-finger design allows for detailed work.
[Tips for Using Gloves]
I carry overmittens, hiking spring gloves, and spare gloves.
Reviewer:
Powder Station
Kazuya Igarashi, Kagura
[Main Guide Area] All routes entering from the BC gate at the top of the 5th Romance Lift at Kagura Ski Resort / Others: Spring tours of Tateyama, Gassan, Mt. Fuji, etc.
[Qualifications Held]
JMGA Ski Guide Stage II
, JAN Avalanche Worker Level 2
"It fits your hand well, is easy to move around in, and is warm" - Hiroki Ito
HESTRA | Army Leather Couloir
The Ergo Grip is designed with patterning and three-dimensional cutting to make it easier to grip the poles. The palm is made of durable and strong goat leather and nylon fabric mixed with a waterproof and breathable membrane. The back of the hand is made of supple cowhide leather molded into an accordion pattern. The short cuff with Velcro closure is made of neoprene for a comfortable fit
Color: Cork/Brown (4 colors total)
Size: 6-10 Size Guide
¥18,484
[Favorite Model and Why]
HESTRA's Army Leather Couloir. I love the fit and warmth. The cut is designed to allow for easy hand movement.
[Tips for Using Gloves]
I bring the above gloves plus an extra pair of thicker gloves for extremely cold weather (such as thick wool gloves with overgloves).
Reviewer:
Vertical Land)
Yuki Ito (
[Main guiding area] Around Hakuba Village, Nagano Prefecture, Northern Alps
[Qualifications held]
JMGA Mountain Guide Stage I
, JMGA Ski Guide Stage II
, CAA Operation Level 1 (CAA: Canadian Avalanche Association)
"Anywhere within the ski area is fine!" Makoto Kuroda
HESTRA｜3-Finger Full Leather
This 3-finger model, an iconic HESTRA design, perfectly combines the exceptional warmth of a mitten with the dexterity of a five-finger type. It allows for stress-free pole handling, and the three fingers (middle, middle, and little) each have independent linings, providing excellent warmth while maintaining a secure fit.
The exterior is made of soft cowhide, while the palm side features a combination of durable goat leather and supple cowhide. The inner polyester liner is removable.
Color: Yellow/Cork (5 colors total)
Size: 6-10 Size Guide
¥18,150
[Favorite model and why]
Hestra's three-finger model. It's warm and rope handling is no problem. It's fine for anywhere you go skiing.
[Tips for using gloves]
I have at least two sets of different thicknesses. I also carry an extra set in case a customer loses one. If you use thick inner gloves, blood circulation worsens and you get even colder, so rather than adding inner gloves, I buy thicker gloves.
Reviewer:
Mountain Guide Office
Makoto Kuroda, Kuroda
[Main guiding area] Primarily the Joshinetsu region, but we can also guide you to your requested area.
[Qualifications held]
International Mountain Guide
, JAN Avalanche Operations Specialist Level 2
"The heat retention combined with workability is unmatched." - Satoshi Tsukahara
HESTRA ｜ Ergo Grip Active Wool
The new Ergo Grip Active glove is a classic lightweight glove with a wool lining. The wool lining provides slightly improved warmth, softness, and a pleasant feel against the skin. Perfect for winter hikes and spring skiing
Color: Navy (4 colors total)
Size: 6-10 Size Guide
¥15,950
[Favorite Model and Why]
I only use HESTRA Ergo Grip Active Wool gloves. Their warmth, while maintaining workability, is outstanding.
[Tips for Using Gloves]
Lately, I only use the same Ergo Grip Active gloves as spares.
Reviewer:
Hokkaido Backcountry Guys
Satoshi Tsukahara,
[Main guiding area] Kiroro, Niseko, Akaigawa area / Others: All of Hokkaido
[Qualifications held]
JMGA Mountain Guide Stage I
, JMGA Ski Guide Stage II
, Board Member of Hokkaido Mountain Guide Association
"Comfortable with breathable material, and five-finger design provides excellent gear grip."- Tomohiro Shakawa
HESTRA｜Omni GTX Full Leather
This Japan-exclusive model was created in response to requests from guides and riders who ski Japan's snowy mountains. The palm is made of durable and strong goat leather, while the instep and sides are made of supple cowhide leather, ensuring optimal placement of materials. The five-finger design with an outseam reduces unnecessary pressure on the fingertips, offering excellent maneuverability. The entire interior is lined with a waterproof, breathable GORE-TEX membrane, ensuring reliable protection from snow
Color: Bordeaux (6 colors total)
Size: 5-10 Size Guide
¥19,250
[Favorite Model and Why]
I use HESTRA's Omni GTX Full Leather. The breathable material makes it comfortable, and the five-finger design provides excellent grip on gears. I use it with an overglove when it gets cold.
[Tips for Using Gloves]
I always carry a thin inner glove. For cold weather protection, I use it with an overglove that has enhanced Gore-Tex functionality.
Reviewer:
COLOR SPORT CLUB
Tomohiro Tonegawa,
[Main guiding area] Hakuba VALLEY (Hakuba, Otari, Omachi) / Others: Tateyama, Senjojiki, Myoko, Mt. Fuji
[Qualifications held]
JMGA Mountain Guide Stage II
, JMGA Ski Guide Stage II
, JAN Avalanche Worker Level 2
"The ErgoGrip allows you to do detailed work without stress." Akiko Nakae
HESTRA |Ergo Grip Active
The palm is made of goat leather and features GORE Windstopper for excellent wind and water resistance. It has a highly insulating liner, yet is thin and easy to use. The ErgoGrip is ergonomically designed with 3D cutting and stitching to fit the natural curve of the hand when relaxed. It's easy to grip, allowing for stress-free fine work, and it's comfortable to wear for long periods of time
Color: Black (5 colors available)
Size: 6-10 Size Guide
¥14,850
[Favorite Model and Why]
thin and comfortableErgo Grip Activegloves are invaluable for hiking uphill on milder days or when rope work is required. The slight warmth and ergonomic grip allow for stress-free detailed work.
Also, due to extreme cold in the extremities, mittens are essential in the dead of winter. HESTRA mittens offer decent dexterity, allowing for the attachment and detachment of skins without removing them.
[Tips for Using Gloves]
I wear stretchy five-finger gloves inside the mittens. Regularly repairing holes in the fingertips keeps them from getting cold. In the event of digging a snow cave, keeping my hands dry is paramount, so I keep a spare pair of Temres gloves in my backpack.
Reviewer:
Epic Japan
Akiko Nakae,
[Main guiding areas] Hakuba, Nozawa Onsen, Myoko, Togakushi, Tateyama / Others: Hokkaido: Asahikawa, Furano area, Eastern Hokkaido, Niseko
[Qualifications held]
JMGA Ski Stage II
, JMGA Mountain Guide Stage II
, JAN Avalanche Worker Level I completed
"I like the wool innerwear because it doesn't get sticky even when I sweat." - Kazuya Furuse
HESTRA ｜Leather Wool
The gloves are made of all-leather and include a removable wool liner. The palm side is made of durable goat leather. The upper side is made of soft, supple cowhide leather for improved comfort and operability. The inside of the upper is lined with a warm, brushed wool liner, which maintains heat even when slightly humid
Color: Cork/Brown (3 colors total)
Size: 6-10 Size Guide
¥19,250
[Favorite Model and Why]
The HESTRA Leather Wool is a five-finger type that offers high work efficiency and excellent heat retention. I like that the wool inner lining doesn't get sticky even when I sweat.
[Tips for Using Gloves]
I always carry a spare pair of gloves. I use hand cuffs and take care not to lose my gloves in strong winds. I don't want my gloves to get wet, so I avoid climbing with just the inner lining or letting the outer lining hang down when it's snowing.
Reviewer:
LOCUS GUIDE SERVICE
, Kazuya Furuse
[Main Guide Area] Hakuba Area
[Qualifications Held]
・JMGA Ski Guide Stage II
・JAN Avalanche Operations Personnel Level 2
"Genuine leather doesn't get wet and is flexible, making it easy to do detailed work." - YuTakeo
HIMARAK｜1.5.1
These mittens are meticulously crafted and sewn in a domestic factory using water-repellent treated cowhide. With minimal seams, they offer superior waterproofing and durability. The leather is gathered and sewn in a way that prevents direct contact with the stitching even when rubbing your hands against hard snow, thus preventing fraying. A
removable inner glove, the JAGER, is included, featuring Thermotron heat-retaining material for enhanced warmth. Ideal for use in the harshest winter conditions, these mittens are particularly popular among snowboarders.
Material: Cowhide suede outerwear
Size: S, M, L, XL
Color: Navy
¥23,100
[Favorite Model and Why]
HIMARAK is a manufacturer that uses genuine leather. Since genuine leather, including the inner lining, doesn't get wet, I only use genuine leather gloves for backcountry skiing. Using oil on the leather gives it a unique and cool look. Also, it allows for flexible movement, making it easy to do detailed work.
[Tips for Using Gloves]
A combination of over mittens, thin five-finger gloves, and inner gloves.
Reviewer:
Bantei ~bamboo tail~ (Bantei)
Yu TAKEO
[Main Guide Area] Hakuba Area
[Qualifications Held]
JMGA Ski and Snowboard Guide Stage II
, Mountain Guide Stage II
"I use three different thickness types of MAMMUT depending on the activity and weather" - Iwao Saeki
MAMMUT |La Liste Glove
These lightweight, warm gloves are made from stretch fleece. They're great for adding insulation as a liner in snowy conditions. Made with ECONYL® recycled nylon and spandex, the stretch fleece dries quickly and is easy to care for. They're stretchy and offer excellent warmth. These touchscreen gloves are compatible, allowing you to use your smartphone without removing them
Color: Black
Size: 6-10 Size Guide
¥19,250
MAMMUT |Astro Guide Glove
The outer layer is made of windproof and breathable GORE-TEX, while the inner layer is made of supple, water-repellent goat leather. The stretch neoprene cuff with adjustable hook-and-loop fasteners provides a snug fit, and the ergonomic design ensures fine fingertip movement, making it easy to handle gear at the base camp
Color: Black
Size: 6-10 Size Guide
¥13,750
MAMMUT |Stretch Glove
These lightweight, warm gloves are made from stretch fleece. They're useful as an insulating liner for snow activities. Made with ECONYL® recycled nylon and spandex, the stretch fleece dries quickly and is easy to care for. They're stretchy and thin, yet offer excellent warmth. These touchscreen-compatible gloves allow you to operate your smartphone without removing them. Despite their versatility, they're also very reasonably priced
Color: Black
Size: 6-10 Size Guide
¥5,390
[Favorite models and reasons]
I own three types of gloves from Mammut: thick, medium-thick, and liner gloves.
[Tips for using gloves] I
use the thin ones when hiking uphill. I use the medium ones when skiing. I carry the thick ones for when it's cold.
Reviewer:
Iwao
Saeki
[Main guiding area] Toyama Prefecture, Tateyama / Others: Tateyama, Tsurugidake, Hakuba, Myoko
[Qualifications held]
JMGA Mountain Guide Stage II
, JMGA Ski Guide Stage II
"It's durable, soft, and warm. It's perfect for me, as my fingertips get cold easily." - Kenji Akutsu
SCOTT | Explorer Plus
It's easy to move around in, has excellent maneuverability, and is durable and warm. The shell is made of 90% goat leather and 90% nylon, with GORE-TEX Windstopper material for high durability and breathability, allowing sweat to evaporate. The padding is filled with Primasoft for excellent warmth. It's also windproof, allowing you to stay comfortable all day long
Color: Black / Burnt Orange (2 colors total)
Size: S, M, L, LL
¥18,480
The leather is durable, yet soft and warm. Its excellent heat retention makes it perfect for me, as my fingertips tend to get cold easily. The reinforced index finger and thumb also make it hard to get holes in them, even when using them heavily during lessons and guides
Reviewer
Telemark School & Ski Guide Izumiya AK.T
Kenji Akutsu
[Main guiding area] Fukushima Prefecture: Minamiaizu and Hinoemata area
[Qualifications held]
JMGA Mountain Guide Stage II
, JMGA Ski Guide Stage II
, TAJ Telemark Ski Instructor
"Impressions for skiers who are sensitive to the cold and dislike wearing inner gloves" by Shohei Sasaki
Swany Gloves｜Sisam
This under-cuff model features a short cuff that's easy to grip and operate, and can be stored in the cuffs of your WEAR. It's made entirely of soft, water-repellent goat leather (the palm cuff is made of fabric), and the lining is made of bamboo, which has a deodorizing effect. The zipper makes it easy to put on and take off. It also features a GORE-TEX insert
Cold Level -15 to -5℃:
Color: NV (4 colors total)
Size: 7, 8, 9, 10
Size Guide: XS, S, M, L
¥18,700
Swany Gloves｜Union Full leather
Made entirely of leather with a GORE-TEX insert for excellent water resistance and breathability, it offers a comfortable grip that feels like bare hands, providing outstanding operability. Soft, water-repellent goat leather is used throughout. Durable and warm. The unique Pre-Curve cutting maintains a natural hand position and reduces strain on the hands. This under-cuff model can be stored in the cuffs of your clothing. Available in nine colors and women's sizes
Color: BK (9 colors in total)
Size: (Mens) XS, S, M, L (Womens) XS, S, M
¥19,250
Swany Gloves｜Spring Glove
The three-dimensional cut pattern provides an excellent fit, boasting high operability that feels like bare hands. The upper material, GORE-TEX INFINIUM, combines wind resistance and breathability, making it comfortable even during intense exercise, as it does not get stuffy or cold from sweat. It also has excellent water resistance and breathability. This under-cuff model can be stored in the cuffs of the WEAR. The cuffs are adjustable tab type
Color: Cork/Brown (2 colors in total)
Size: (Mens) XS, S, M, L (Womens) XS, S, M
¥13,200
SHOWA | Cold Weather Temres
These polyurethane gloves are highly breathable and waterproof, blocking water while allowing moisture to escape. They're incredibly thin and light, yet feature a non-slip coating to prevent slipping and keep you dry. They maintain flexibility even in temperatures as low as -60°C, allowing for smooth bending and straightening of the fingers. They offer exceptional security when working on snow. Though thin, they're lined with soft, boa-type fleece for warmth. These incredibly useful items are surprisingly affordable
Color: Olive Green (2 colors available)
Size: M, L, LL, 3L
¥2,200
[Favorite Models and Why]
This is an impression for skiers who get cold easily and dislike inner gloves. The Swany Gloves Sisam has an excellent balance of warmth and dexterity. As a guide, I am conscious of being able to perform all tasks in the backcountry quickly and efficiently.
Models with high warmth are difficult to work with, and I couldn't find a glove that I felt was "the one!!" but since I found the Sisam, I basically only use this model during the high season. I use
the Union Full leather on days when the temperature is around 0 degrees Celsius. It is a favorite model of mine with a good fit and a stylish design. I always keep it in my backpack as a backup glove during the high season.
I use the Swany Gloves Spring Glove on days when the temperature is above 0 degrees Celsius. It is thin and has excellent dexterity. It is used in a variety of situations other than skiing, from spring alpine climbing to autumn trekking. I
also use the Temres cold-weather gloves on days when the temperature is above 0 degrees Celsius. They are useful when I don't want to get the gloves mentioned above wet, such as when taking shelters during breaks or digging snow caves.
[Tips for using gloves]
I always bring two pairs of gloves. In the peak season, I use Sisam as my main pair and Union Full Leather as a backup, switching between them depending on the temperature. I also switch between Spring Glove and Temres for colder weather depending on the season, such as in spring. When it's unbearably cold in the dead of winter, you can hide a non-adhesive disposable hand warmer inside your gloves and stay happy all day.
Reviewer:
CIRCLE GAME guide service
, Shohei Sasaki
[Main Guide Area]
[Profile]
Originally from Nanae Town, Hokkaido, and based in Sapporo, he guides backcountry skiing in winter and explores Hokkaido's nature extensively in summer. He enjoys combining climbing and skiing.
[Qualifications Held]
・JMGA Mountain Guide Stage II
・JMGA Ski Guide Stage II
"I'm currently using a gift I received and the innerwear is from Patagonia."
TRUCK gloves | M1
The back and palm of the hand are made of goat leather, which is waterproof, durable, and breathable. The palm is further reinforced to withstand tough use. The inside is lined with warm, brushed polar fleece, ensuring reliable warmth. These gloves have even been awarded an editor's choice by an overseas ski magazine as a glove for backcountry use
Color: Cork/Brown (2 colors total)
Size: 3-11
$35.00
Patagonia Capilene Midweight Liner Gloves
Capilene Midweight Liner Gloves
These versatile liner gloves feature a smooth, soft outer surface that's easy to layer with, while the hollow yarn and diamond grid pattern inner lining provides warmth, moisture management, and quick drying
Color: Cork/Brown (2 colors in total)
Size: XS, S, M, L, XL
￥6,600
[Favorite model and why]
M1 TRUCK gloves. The inner gloves are Patagonia Capilene Midweight Liner Gloves. The reason I use M1 is because I received them as a thank you gift from photographer Jay, who was in Shirakawa-go with the Utah crew.
[Tips for using gloves]
In the dead of winter, I carry a different type of glove as a backup in addition to the one I use as my main glove.
Reviewer:
Rhythm Works (Ryuta
Asahi
[Main guiding areas] Shirakawa-go, Tateyama, Hakuba, Hirayu, Hoki-Daisen *Mainly the Hida Mountains and Ryohaku Mountains
[Qualifications held]
JMGA Mountain Guide Stage I
, JMGA Ski Guide Stage II
, JAN Avalanche Worker Level 2
